Irenicum, to the lovers of truth and peace heart-divisions opened in the causes and…

Plutarch reports of a Theban band that were but three hundred, yet were the most terrible to the enemies, of any, and did the greatest services: They were called the Holy Band, because they hated dishonest things, and were willing to venture their lives for honest causes, fearing dishonourable reproach more then honourable danger. But though this was one cause why it had that name,¹ yet Plutarch thinks that the first cause why it was called the Holy Band, was from their entire love one to another. By the self same reason (says he) that Plato calleth a lover a divine friend by Gods appointment, These Thebans, together with other of their Countrymen, had a great power of the Lacedaemonians to resist such a power as the Athenians, for fear of it, left off to protect them, renouncing that league that they had before with them. Every man, said the Thebans, were undone. But these despised Thebans meeting with the Lacedaemonians about the City of Tegyra, where according to the compute of some they were six to one, and a warlike valiant people, one came running to Pelopidas the Captain of the Thebans, saying, Sir, we are fallen into the hands of the Lacedaemonians. Nay, are they not fallen into ours? says Pelopidas. And so it fell out, for they utterly routed them. In all the wars that the Lacedaemonians ever had, as well with the Grecians as with the barbarous people, no Chronicle ever mentioned that they were overcome by any number equal in battle. Whereupon these Thebans grew so terrible to their enemies, that none durst for a long time encounter with them. After this battle Pelopidas would never separate them one from another, but keeping them together he would always begin with them, to give a charge in his most dangerous battles. Yet notwithstanding all this service they had ill requital from the people, for when their Captain Pelopidas came home, they stirred up a party against him, that sought to break him, though they could not prevail. ⟨p. 223⟩It is farther reported of this Band, that it was never broken nor overthrown till the battle of Choeronea, where it seems they had some added to them. And see what love and valour will do in an Army unto death.

Plutarch reports of a Theban band that were but three hundred, yet were the most terrible to the enemies, of any, and did the greatest services: They were called the Holy Band, because they hated dishonest things, and were willing to venture their lives for honest causes, fearing dishonourable reproach more then honourable danger. But though this was one cause why it had that name,